"I heard a distressed squawking noise and feared the worst. I soon realized it was a woodpecker with some kind of small mammal on its back. I think we may have distracted the weasel as when the woodpecker landed it managed to escape and the weasel ran into the grass."

52 year-old Le-May later posted the photo on Twitter, writing, "Took this picture earlier today. Heard woodpecker in distress, then flew up with weasel on back."

The snap has now gone viral after thousands of users shared the incredible picture.

"I'm so proud so many people are getting to see my image. I'm totally taken aback by the response to it," Le-May comments.

"For over a million people to see your work is quite mind-blowing and outstanding," he continued, "this is truly a one-in-a-million shot."